CA2329228A1 - Hockey stick blade sleeve - Google Patents
Hockey stick blade sleeve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2329228A1 CA2329228A1 CA 2329228 CA2329228A CA2329228A1 CA 2329228 A1 CA2329228 A1 CA 2329228A1 CA 2329228 CA2329228 CA 2329228 CA 2329228 A CA2329228 A CA 2329228A CA 2329228 A1 CA2329228 A1 CA 2329228A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- hockey stick
- blade
- puck
- hockey
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
An elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve for use as a hockey stick protector provided as an easy to position sleeve that fits snugly over the blade of a conventional hockey stick. The two-layer sleeve provides easy installation and protects the hockey stick from both water infiltration and wear along the bottom surface of the hockey stick blade. The sleeve has topographical features including horizontal grooves for removing water from the surface of the hockey stick which results in increased friction between hockey puck and blade. The topographical features further include nubs formed between at least some of the horizontal grooves, the nubs providing temporary attachment between the protector and a cross-hatched perimeter edge of a conventional hockey puck. The topographical features further include vertical ribs formed along the bottom edges of the protector provided to resist sliding of the puck along the blade increasing control of the puck, and reducing friction between the blade and the ice.
Description
r r HOCI~E''~' STICK BLADE SL:EE''VE
2 bY
Steven M. Battis and Randy D. Scotield BACKGLt,OUND
6 The present invention is directed to a new and useful detachable protective device for hockey sticks.
g There have been numerous attempts to add reinforcement to the blade ofa hockey stick. For 9 example, tape applied to the hockey stick has been widely used to len~~then the Life of a hockey stick.
1 o Plastic sleeves taped to the hockey stick have also been used.
Additionally, there have been previous 11 attempts to reinforce the stick itself by means of permanent attachments to the blade including a textile tubing slipped over the blade after which a resinous coat is applied over the tubing z3 incorporating it permanently to the blade. Further attempts at rein:~orcement include using glass fiber 14 material impregnated with a resin plastic applied to the blade and becoming a permanent part of the blade.
16 A problem with using tape to reinforce the blade portion of a hockey stick has been that tape 17 is tinne consuming and difficult to apply. Also, tape has little aesthetic value and tape allows water 18 to wick or be absorbed into the hockey stick causing damage to the stick reducing the usability of the z9 stick. The plastic, fiberglass, and textile products are costly, cliff cult to apply tv the hockey blade, 2 0 "deaden" the puck requiring axvre force to catapult the puck along, and lessen the control over the 21 puck.
22 While these prior devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, 2 3 they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as described herein.
SUMMA~~tY
z The present invention is directed to a hockey stick blade sleeve that satisfies these needs to 3 provide an economical, aesthetic hockey stick protector that increases the wear protection along the 4 bottom of the hockey stick blade, improves the puck handling, decreases friction between the blade and the ice and is easy to position on the blade. A hockey stick blade sleeve having features of the s present invention comprises a fiber weave eiastomeric sleeve for use as a protective cover on a blade 7 end of a hockey stick, the sleeve having a proximal surface and a distal surface continuously s interconnected to forth a tube. The sleeve further has a first end and a second end whereby the sleeve 9 may be manually pasitiot~ed onto a hockey stick. The sleeve is made of fiber weave material to encapsulated in rubber having a dutometer strength within a range of 30 and 1 DO durometers. The 11 fiber weave material is constructed into a tube, open at each end, and bonded through a rt~olding 12 process, such as compression molding or injection molding, to an elastomer coating layer. The rubber 13 encapsulated fiber weave sleeve has formed iti the outer surface thereof topographical features that 14 add to its performance. The elastomer coating Layer provides a smooth interface between the blade as~d the ice that has far less friction than conventional hockey tape. The topographical features of 16 the elastomer coating also provides fox improved contact between the puck and the blade of the 1~ hockey stick. The elastomer coating, in combination with the fiber material, serves as a constrictor 18 directing forces inwardly toward the hockey stick blade and act in place of a bonding agent with the 19 blade. The rxiechanical force replaces the need for adhesive or heat-shrink bonding necessary in other 2 4 art. The fabric material pravitdes a one-way stretch arranged such that the material stretches across 21 the diaz~neter of the hockey stick blade providing stabilization in a longitudinal direction ofthe sleeve z Z across the length of the hockey stick blade thus preventing the sleeve from shifting while in its 23 position of use on the hockey stick blade, The elastotner coated fiber weave sleeve with at least a one-way stretch enables the user to 2 5 apply the sleeve to the hockey stick blade without the assistance of any tools. The sleeve stretches 2 6 over the blade diameter for installation and then the elastomeric farces inherent in the materials snaps a v back grad holds the sleeve in position on the hockey stick blade. The elastom.er coated fiber weave 2 s sleeve enables the user to apply the sleeve to the hockey stick blade and later remove it and re-apply 29 it to another stick without any reduction in performance. The materials used enable the sleeve to by far outlive a hockey stick taping and, because the sleeve doesz~°t disintegrate like tape, no debris is 2 dropped on the ice.
3 The topograpical features provide means for directing away melted ice thus providing a dry surface for interaction of. a conventional puck and a sleeve-covered hockey stick. A series of s horizontal grooves formed on the proximal and distal surfaces provides the means for directing away melted ice are the grooves for receiving and directing away melted ice.
A series of nubs ate formed in the sleeve between at least some of the horizontal grooves, the 8 nubs provide means for temporarily adhering the sleeve surface to an edge surface of a hockey puck, the cross-hatched perimeter edge of a conventional hockey puck providing attachment surfaces ~or the nubs, increasing friction between the puck and the sleeve-covered hockey stick for increasing control of the puck.
Z2 A series of vertical ribs, formed along the length of said sleeve, are provided to receive a 13 cross-hatched edge portion of a hockey puck therebetween, such that a three-pointed point of attachment is formed between the puck and the sleeve-covered hockey stick, for resisting sliding of the puck against the sleeve, for increasing control Qf handling and shooting of the puck_ ThESe vertical ribs prevent the puck from slipping across the blade. Instead, they cradle the puck, allowing the puck to roll across the blade for better control.
~g Another sleeve embodiment has increased amounts of elastomeric materials at the top portion and bottom portion thereof to provide increased strength and resistance to wearing from contact of 2 o the sleeve covered hockey stick and the ice. The elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve can be 21 constructed of materials in a combination of different values of hardness to allow selected hardened 2 2 regions to extend wear and soft regions for improved puck control.
2 3 Advantages over conventions! tape include being stronger than tape and ca.sier to apply than 24 tape. No tools are needed for itnstallatio~n, The elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve is easy to install. Because the internal wall is fabric, there is less friction than if the internal wall were 26 made of rubber. The elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve protects the hockey stick blade from wear better than Conventional tape. The elastomezic coated ~~ber weave sleeve performs better in 28 stick handling, shooting, passing and pass receiving. Because it is a thin sleeve, the sleeve presents 2 9 a lower profile on the stick. And fuzther, because it is a than sleeve, with a louver duronneter value, it provides a softer sleeve which improves puck handlini;. This reduction of materials also reduces 2 the cost of manufacture. The elastonneric layer bonded to the fabric layer is much more resistant to 3 cuts than conventional materials, And the elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve is re-usable. The 4 sleeve provides an eeanorz~,ic, aesthetic, re-usable protective cover for a hockey stick blade and may be used for either a right4handed or left-handed hockey stick.
BRIEF DI~SCRIPT'.1CON OF T1HE DRAWINGS
Understanding ofthe invention will be enhanced by referring to the accompanying drawings, 8 in which like numbers refer to like parts in the several views and i:n which:
9 Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the hockey stick blade sleeve ita its place o.f use on a 1o hockey stick;
11 Fig. 2 is an enlarged top view, with parts broken away for ease of understanding, of the 12 circled area of Fig.i;
Fig. 3 is an ez~Iarged view of interaction of the puck and the hockey stick blade sleeve;
~4 Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a f rst end of the hockey stick blade sleeve in its place of use on a hockey stick, with parts broken away for ease of understanding;
Fig. 5 is a right side view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a left side view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is an ez~d view of the hockey stick blade sleeve o~Fig. 1;
Zg Fig. 8 is a top view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
2 o Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
Fig. 14 is a cross-section view of a second embodiment hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig, 1;
2 2 and 23 Fig. ii is a side view with parts broken away for ease of u~aderstanding.
24 DETAILED DESCR.iPTYON OF THE CiJRRENTT.~'Y PREFERRED E1VIBODLIVIENTS
Understanding of the invention will be farther enhanced by' referring to the following 2 5 illustrative but no~nlimiting example.
1 Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters refer to corresponding 2 elements throughout the several views, Fig. X illustrates a hockey stick blade sleeve 10, having a series of horizontal grooves 1.2, vertical ribs 18 and circular stubs 22 formed therein, for use on the 4 blade end 42 of a hockey stick 40. The sleeve x0 acts to protect the hockey stick blade 42 from both s moisture from the melting ice and to reduce friction between the ice surface and the hockey stick 6 blade 42_ The horizontal grooves 12, vertical ribs 18, and nubs 22 formed ors the sleeve 10 interact ? with a hockey puck 30 to increase control over the movement of the hockey puck 30 when the sleeve s 10 is in its place of use on the blade end 42 of a hockey stick 40.
g The oblong-shaped hockey stick blade sleeve 10, as shown in Fig. 7, has an elastomeric 1o coating layer 52, in actual use conditions of EPDM (ethylene propylene) however outer closed cell 11. elastomeric materials having a durorneter strength in a range between 30 -. 100 durometers, such as s2 SBR {styrene butyl rubber), stretchable polymers, plastics or natural rubber could be used. An inner 13 fiber weave layer 50 is formed of one continuous piece shaped as a tube.
One embodiment ol'sleeve 14 10 additionally has thicken portions at the top portion t4 and at the bottom portion 1G providing 15 added strength to the sleeve 10 both for resisting friction wear ofthe sleeve t0 and to provide more 16 material at the stress points of the sleeve 10 when manually positioned on the hockey stick blade 42.
Tk~e topographical features of sleeve 10 enhance the performance of sleeve 10.
Formed along 1$ a proximal surface 20, shown at Figs. 1, 2 8~ 6 are a series of horizontal grooves 1.2 that channel 19 melted ice away from the blade_ Sleeve 10 prevents moisture from accumulating on blade 42 2 o interfering with control of the puck 30 and prevents moisture from being wicked into blade 42 in the 21 manner of a taped blade, not shown. A series of vertical ribs 18 are also formed in the proximal 2 2 surface 20 of the sleeve 10, the ribs 18 resisting sliding of the puck against the hockey stick blade 42, 2 3 thereby increasing control of the puck by the user. A series of circular nubs 22 are also formed in the 2 et proximal surface 20 of the sleeve 10, the nubs 22 acting in a lock and key effect with the cross hatch 25 pattern 32 formed on the puck edge 34. The nubs 22 are positioned on sleeve 10 a specified distance 2 6 apart from each other between the horizontal grooves 12 so that the nubs 22 just fit between the cross 2~ hatch 32 of puck edge 34. This interaction of the nubs 22 and cross hatch 32 increases friction 2 s between puck 30 and hockey stick blade 42. All of these physical elements, ktorizontal grooves 12, Z vertical ribs ig and nubs 22 increase friction between the hockey puck 30 and the blade 42 increasing 2 the stick handler's control over the puck 30 both for passim; and shooting.
.rncreasing control is a 3 marked improvement over the prior art. Additionally, sleeve 1,0 cushions puck 30, especially an out 4 of control puck, increasing control over puck 30.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the hockey puck 30 in contact with sleeve ~.0, the puck side edge 6 3d in contact with the ribs 18. Ribs 18 are designed to prevent the puck from slipping across the 7 hockey stick blade. Ribs 18 cradle the puck, thus allowing the puck to roll across the blade resulting 8 in better control by the user. Rig. 3 is an enlarged view of the nubs 22 of sleeve IO positioned within the cross hatch 32 edge of puck 30. Cross hatch 32 receives nubs 22 preventing puck 30 from to spinning, turning, or sliding, increasing control of puck 30 by hockey player. 'L~Tubs 22 are designed 1~ to inter-lock with the cross-hatch 32 pattern on the puck for better surface contact and subsequent 12 control of the hockey puck.
Rig. 4 illustrates the moisture, in the form of melted ice or water, being sloughed off the 14 sleeve 10 mounted on the hockey Stick blade 42. Horizontal grooves 12 direct moisture array from the hockey stick blade providing both better contact between puck and sleeve-covered hockey stick 1s blade and the grooves 12 further reduce the weight of the sleeve-covered hockey stick baade.
17 The sleeve 10 can be constructed using materials in a combination of different values of L8 hardness to allow selected hardened regions to resist wear while having soft regions for improved 19 puck control. This dual durometer construction permits the sleeve 10 to be harder at e.g. the top 2 o and the bottom edge of the sleeve 10.
21 Fig. 5 illustrates the distal surface 24 of sleeve 10 with a series of grooves X 2 extending 2 2 toward the ends 1.7, I9 of sleeve 10. Team logos, and colors may be imprinted on sleeve 10 on this 23 dicta! surface 24, the outside ofhockey stick blade 42, allowing spectators to see the logos, ete. Use 24 of color and or logos provide a uniform appearance to sleeve 10.
~'ig. b shows the proximal surface of sleeve 10 also with a series of grooves ~2, vertical ribs 2g 18 and n~ebs 22 formed therein. Because this is the side ofthe sleeve 10 that most frequently comes 27 into contact with the puck 30, more grooves 12 are provided. The grooves 12, ribs 18 and nubs 22 z a act in similar fashion as described above.
29 Fig. 7 shows an end of sleeve 10, one end being a mirror image of the other, showing the 1 thickened top portion 14, bottom portion 16, grooves X 2 and ribs 18 forged in sleeve 10.
Fig. 8 is a top view of sleeve ZO and Fig. 9 is a bottom view of sleeve 10.
Fig. 1,0 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve having a fabric or fiber weave layer SO with 4 a rubberised elastomeric coating layer 52 bonded thereto. The fiber weave layer 50 can be braided, knit, woven or anything of the like and made of any individual or combination of fabric-like materials such as Kevlar~, Spectra, Vectron~, Lycra~, polyester, nylon, fiberglass, Dacron~, and cotton although other fabric materials could be used. The elastoxneric coating layer 52 is molded onto or s impregnated around the fiber weave layer 50.
9 The elastomeric coating layer 5z has various topographical features that enhance the performance of the sleeve 10. The elastorneric coating layer 52 provides a smooth surface to 11 interface between the hockey stick blade arnd the ice because of the lowered friction as compared to 12 a taped hockey stick blade. Additionally, the elastorrteric coating layer 52 provides a lowered friction 1.3 level as compared to a taped hockey stick blade when the ice has been roughed up, e.g. towards the 1,4 end of a hockey game time period.
Z5 lfig. 11 is a sidE view of the sleeve 10' with parts removed for ease of understandiz~;g that the 16 inner layer is a fabric layer 50 with the elastomeric coating layer 52 embedded thereto. Fig. 11 17 illustrates a hockey stick blade sleeve I O', having a series of horizontal grooves 12, vertical ribs I8, lg vertical slots 26, and circular nubs Z2 formed therein, for use on the blade end 42 of a hockey stick 1,9 40_ These topographical features work in similarly as mentioned above. Xn addition, vertical slots z o 26 work to enable the sleeve 10' to bend iewardly toward the proximal surface 20 enhancing the 21 effect of the vertical ribs I8 in grasping the puck. Vertical slots 26 are formed as inward vertical 22 ribs.. The sleeve 10 acts to protect the hockey stick blade 42 from both moisture from the melting 23 ice and to reduce friction between the ice surface and the hockey stick blade 42. The horizontal 24 grooves I2, vertical ribs 18, vertical slots 26, and nubs 22 formed on the sleeve 10' interact with a 2 5 hockey puck 30 to increase control over the movement of the hockey puck 30 when the sleeve 10' 2 6 is in its place of use on the blade end 42 of a hockey stick 40. In use, the sleeve I O' is positioned on 2 ~ blade 42 by placing sleeve end 1'1, or sleeve end 19, depending if for a tight-handed or left-handed 2 8 hockey stick, over the handle of hockey stick d0 and pulling sleeve 10' into position with pro~timal 29 surface 20 on the inside edge of blade 42. The simplicity of placing the sleeve 10' on blade 42 is an important advantage of the present invention over the prior art.
Sleeve 10 and 10', when in place on the hockey stick blade 42, reduces friction between blade 3 42 and the ice surface as compared to conventional tape, not shown. This reduction in friction allows 4 better hockey stick blade 42 handling. k'urther, the sleeve 10 and 10' on the hockey stick blade 42 prevents "wicking" of water into the hockey stick blade deteriorating the blade, thus the sleeve 10 and 10' helps prevent the hockey stick blade from wearing out p~'ematu~rely.
An additional 7 advantage is that it is much faster to position sleeve x0,10' on hockey stick blade 42 than it is to tape such a hockey stick blade 42. Further, the sleeve 10,10' is reusable while tape is never reusable.
g Sleeve 10, 10' can be reversed to fit either a right handed or left handed hockey stick. Also, sleeve 10,10' is made of recyclable material. Sleeve 10, 10' retains its position on hockey stick blade 42 I Z without the use of any adhesive or other fastening means. The natural elasticity of the material used Z2 to make sleeve 10, IO' allows it to be stretched into position whereupon sleeve 1.0,10' snaps back into 13 shape: xhe elastomeric coating layer, in combination with the fiber layer, serve as a constrictor 14 directing forces inwardly toward the blade of the hockey stick anal act in place of a bonding agent with the blade. This mechanical bonding force replaces the need far adhesive or heat-shrink bonding, 16 necessary in other art. This elasticity also aids in keeping sleeve 10, 10' in position once mounted on 17 hockey stick blade 42. The materials used to tx~anufacture sleeve 10,10' also resist tearing, as opposed to tape, reducing the amocxat of debris on the ice_ Because the fabric material used h,as a 1'9 one-way stretch, the sleeve 10,1.0' stretches across the diameter of the sleeve 10,1U' only, not 2 0 lonptudinally over the length of the sleeve 10,10'. This design resists collapse in the longitudinal 21 direction thus preventing the sleeve 10,10' from shining along the length of the hockey stick blade 2 2 once the sleeve 10,10' is inn position. This elasticity also pertzxits tool-free installation of the sleeve 23 10,10' on the hockey stick blade. The relatively thinner walls ofthe sleeve 10' lightEns the sleeve Z 4 10 which results in better stick handling. The relatively thinner welts of sleeve 10,10' makes the 2 5 .sleeve lighter in weight, thus reducing the materials needed and reduces the Cost of nnanufacture.
2 ~ 'The thinner walls permit easier installation, even as compared to earlier embodiments_ The user 27 stretches the diameter of the sleeve IO,IO' during installation and the Fabric material snaps back to 2 s the original shape once the sleeve '10,10' is in position. The sleeve 10,10' may by dc-installed 29 in the same too-free manner for placerrxextt on another hockey stick without any reduction in 1 performance. This re-useable feature also reduces costs, 2 Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to 3 certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. The saeeve could be of a different shape, i.e. as a parallelogram, as a trapezoid and other configurations, C)ther surface textures could be used as could grooves of different numbers and shapes. Additionally, one could form the sleeve 6 as a sheet and use fastening means to retain on the hockey stick blade.
Therefore, the spirit and scope 7 of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained 8 herein.
Steven M. Battis and Randy D. Scotield BACKGLt,OUND
6 The present invention is directed to a new and useful detachable protective device for hockey sticks.
g There have been numerous attempts to add reinforcement to the blade ofa hockey stick. For 9 example, tape applied to the hockey stick has been widely used to len~~then the Life of a hockey stick.
1 o Plastic sleeves taped to the hockey stick have also been used.
Additionally, there have been previous 11 attempts to reinforce the stick itself by means of permanent attachments to the blade including a textile tubing slipped over the blade after which a resinous coat is applied over the tubing z3 incorporating it permanently to the blade. Further attempts at rein:~orcement include using glass fiber 14 material impregnated with a resin plastic applied to the blade and becoming a permanent part of the blade.
16 A problem with using tape to reinforce the blade portion of a hockey stick has been that tape 17 is tinne consuming and difficult to apply. Also, tape has little aesthetic value and tape allows water 18 to wick or be absorbed into the hockey stick causing damage to the stick reducing the usability of the z9 stick. The plastic, fiberglass, and textile products are costly, cliff cult to apply tv the hockey blade, 2 0 "deaden" the puck requiring axvre force to catapult the puck along, and lessen the control over the 21 puck.
22 While these prior devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, 2 3 they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as described herein.
SUMMA~~tY
z The present invention is directed to a hockey stick blade sleeve that satisfies these needs to 3 provide an economical, aesthetic hockey stick protector that increases the wear protection along the 4 bottom of the hockey stick blade, improves the puck handling, decreases friction between the blade and the ice and is easy to position on the blade. A hockey stick blade sleeve having features of the s present invention comprises a fiber weave eiastomeric sleeve for use as a protective cover on a blade 7 end of a hockey stick, the sleeve having a proximal surface and a distal surface continuously s interconnected to forth a tube. The sleeve further has a first end and a second end whereby the sleeve 9 may be manually pasitiot~ed onto a hockey stick. The sleeve is made of fiber weave material to encapsulated in rubber having a dutometer strength within a range of 30 and 1 DO durometers. The 11 fiber weave material is constructed into a tube, open at each end, and bonded through a rt~olding 12 process, such as compression molding or injection molding, to an elastomer coating layer. The rubber 13 encapsulated fiber weave sleeve has formed iti the outer surface thereof topographical features that 14 add to its performance. The elastomer coating Layer provides a smooth interface between the blade as~d the ice that has far less friction than conventional hockey tape. The topographical features of 16 the elastomer coating also provides fox improved contact between the puck and the blade of the 1~ hockey stick. The elastomer coating, in combination with the fiber material, serves as a constrictor 18 directing forces inwardly toward the hockey stick blade and act in place of a bonding agent with the 19 blade. The rxiechanical force replaces the need for adhesive or heat-shrink bonding necessary in other 2 4 art. The fabric material pravitdes a one-way stretch arranged such that the material stretches across 21 the diaz~neter of the hockey stick blade providing stabilization in a longitudinal direction ofthe sleeve z Z across the length of the hockey stick blade thus preventing the sleeve from shifting while in its 23 position of use on the hockey stick blade, The elastotner coated fiber weave sleeve with at least a one-way stretch enables the user to 2 5 apply the sleeve to the hockey stick blade without the assistance of any tools. The sleeve stretches 2 6 over the blade diameter for installation and then the elastomeric farces inherent in the materials snaps a v back grad holds the sleeve in position on the hockey stick blade. The elastom.er coated fiber weave 2 s sleeve enables the user to apply the sleeve to the hockey stick blade and later remove it and re-apply 29 it to another stick without any reduction in performance. The materials used enable the sleeve to by far outlive a hockey stick taping and, because the sleeve doesz~°t disintegrate like tape, no debris is 2 dropped on the ice.
3 The topograpical features provide means for directing away melted ice thus providing a dry surface for interaction of. a conventional puck and a sleeve-covered hockey stick. A series of s horizontal grooves formed on the proximal and distal surfaces provides the means for directing away melted ice are the grooves for receiving and directing away melted ice.
A series of nubs ate formed in the sleeve between at least some of the horizontal grooves, the 8 nubs provide means for temporarily adhering the sleeve surface to an edge surface of a hockey puck, the cross-hatched perimeter edge of a conventional hockey puck providing attachment surfaces ~or the nubs, increasing friction between the puck and the sleeve-covered hockey stick for increasing control of the puck.
Z2 A series of vertical ribs, formed along the length of said sleeve, are provided to receive a 13 cross-hatched edge portion of a hockey puck therebetween, such that a three-pointed point of attachment is formed between the puck and the sleeve-covered hockey stick, for resisting sliding of the puck against the sleeve, for increasing control Qf handling and shooting of the puck_ ThESe vertical ribs prevent the puck from slipping across the blade. Instead, they cradle the puck, allowing the puck to roll across the blade for better control.
~g Another sleeve embodiment has increased amounts of elastomeric materials at the top portion and bottom portion thereof to provide increased strength and resistance to wearing from contact of 2 o the sleeve covered hockey stick and the ice. The elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve can be 21 constructed of materials in a combination of different values of hardness to allow selected hardened 2 2 regions to extend wear and soft regions for improved puck control.
2 3 Advantages over conventions! tape include being stronger than tape and ca.sier to apply than 24 tape. No tools are needed for itnstallatio~n, The elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve is easy to install. Because the internal wall is fabric, there is less friction than if the internal wall were 26 made of rubber. The elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve protects the hockey stick blade from wear better than Conventional tape. The elastomezic coated ~~ber weave sleeve performs better in 28 stick handling, shooting, passing and pass receiving. Because it is a thin sleeve, the sleeve presents 2 9 a lower profile on the stick. And fuzther, because it is a than sleeve, with a louver duronneter value, it provides a softer sleeve which improves puck handlini;. This reduction of materials also reduces 2 the cost of manufacture. The elastonneric layer bonded to the fabric layer is much more resistant to 3 cuts than conventional materials, And the elastomeric coated fiber weave sleeve is re-usable. The 4 sleeve provides an eeanorz~,ic, aesthetic, re-usable protective cover for a hockey stick blade and may be used for either a right4handed or left-handed hockey stick.
BRIEF DI~SCRIPT'.1CON OF T1HE DRAWINGS
Understanding ofthe invention will be enhanced by referring to the accompanying drawings, 8 in which like numbers refer to like parts in the several views and i:n which:
9 Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the hockey stick blade sleeve ita its place o.f use on a 1o hockey stick;
11 Fig. 2 is an enlarged top view, with parts broken away for ease of understanding, of the 12 circled area of Fig.i;
Fig. 3 is an ez~Iarged view of interaction of the puck and the hockey stick blade sleeve;
~4 Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a f rst end of the hockey stick blade sleeve in its place of use on a hockey stick, with parts broken away for ease of understanding;
Fig. 5 is a right side view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a left side view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is an ez~d view of the hockey stick blade sleeve o~Fig. 1;
Zg Fig. 8 is a top view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
2 o Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig. 1;
Fig. 14 is a cross-section view of a second embodiment hockey stick blade sleeve of Fig, 1;
2 2 and 23 Fig. ii is a side view with parts broken away for ease of u~aderstanding.
24 DETAILED DESCR.iPTYON OF THE CiJRRENTT.~'Y PREFERRED E1VIBODLIVIENTS
Understanding of the invention will be farther enhanced by' referring to the following 2 5 illustrative but no~nlimiting example.
1 Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters refer to corresponding 2 elements throughout the several views, Fig. X illustrates a hockey stick blade sleeve 10, having a series of horizontal grooves 1.2, vertical ribs 18 and circular stubs 22 formed therein, for use on the 4 blade end 42 of a hockey stick 40. The sleeve x0 acts to protect the hockey stick blade 42 from both s moisture from the melting ice and to reduce friction between the ice surface and the hockey stick 6 blade 42_ The horizontal grooves 12, vertical ribs 18, and nubs 22 formed ors the sleeve 10 interact ? with a hockey puck 30 to increase control over the movement of the hockey puck 30 when the sleeve s 10 is in its place of use on the blade end 42 of a hockey stick 40.
g The oblong-shaped hockey stick blade sleeve 10, as shown in Fig. 7, has an elastomeric 1o coating layer 52, in actual use conditions of EPDM (ethylene propylene) however outer closed cell 11. elastomeric materials having a durorneter strength in a range between 30 -. 100 durometers, such as s2 SBR {styrene butyl rubber), stretchable polymers, plastics or natural rubber could be used. An inner 13 fiber weave layer 50 is formed of one continuous piece shaped as a tube.
One embodiment ol'sleeve 14 10 additionally has thicken portions at the top portion t4 and at the bottom portion 1G providing 15 added strength to the sleeve 10 both for resisting friction wear ofthe sleeve t0 and to provide more 16 material at the stress points of the sleeve 10 when manually positioned on the hockey stick blade 42.
Tk~e topographical features of sleeve 10 enhance the performance of sleeve 10.
Formed along 1$ a proximal surface 20, shown at Figs. 1, 2 8~ 6 are a series of horizontal grooves 1.2 that channel 19 melted ice away from the blade_ Sleeve 10 prevents moisture from accumulating on blade 42 2 o interfering with control of the puck 30 and prevents moisture from being wicked into blade 42 in the 21 manner of a taped blade, not shown. A series of vertical ribs 18 are also formed in the proximal 2 2 surface 20 of the sleeve 10, the ribs 18 resisting sliding of the puck against the hockey stick blade 42, 2 3 thereby increasing control of the puck by the user. A series of circular nubs 22 are also formed in the 2 et proximal surface 20 of the sleeve 10, the nubs 22 acting in a lock and key effect with the cross hatch 25 pattern 32 formed on the puck edge 34. The nubs 22 are positioned on sleeve 10 a specified distance 2 6 apart from each other between the horizontal grooves 12 so that the nubs 22 just fit between the cross 2~ hatch 32 of puck edge 34. This interaction of the nubs 22 and cross hatch 32 increases friction 2 s between puck 30 and hockey stick blade 42. All of these physical elements, ktorizontal grooves 12, Z vertical ribs ig and nubs 22 increase friction between the hockey puck 30 and the blade 42 increasing 2 the stick handler's control over the puck 30 both for passim; and shooting.
.rncreasing control is a 3 marked improvement over the prior art. Additionally, sleeve 1,0 cushions puck 30, especially an out 4 of control puck, increasing control over puck 30.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the hockey puck 30 in contact with sleeve ~.0, the puck side edge 6 3d in contact with the ribs 18. Ribs 18 are designed to prevent the puck from slipping across the 7 hockey stick blade. Ribs 18 cradle the puck, thus allowing the puck to roll across the blade resulting 8 in better control by the user. Rig. 3 is an enlarged view of the nubs 22 of sleeve IO positioned within the cross hatch 32 edge of puck 30. Cross hatch 32 receives nubs 22 preventing puck 30 from to spinning, turning, or sliding, increasing control of puck 30 by hockey player. 'L~Tubs 22 are designed 1~ to inter-lock with the cross-hatch 32 pattern on the puck for better surface contact and subsequent 12 control of the hockey puck.
Rig. 4 illustrates the moisture, in the form of melted ice or water, being sloughed off the 14 sleeve 10 mounted on the hockey Stick blade 42. Horizontal grooves 12 direct moisture array from the hockey stick blade providing both better contact between puck and sleeve-covered hockey stick 1s blade and the grooves 12 further reduce the weight of the sleeve-covered hockey stick baade.
17 The sleeve 10 can be constructed using materials in a combination of different values of L8 hardness to allow selected hardened regions to resist wear while having soft regions for improved 19 puck control. This dual durometer construction permits the sleeve 10 to be harder at e.g. the top 2 o and the bottom edge of the sleeve 10.
21 Fig. 5 illustrates the distal surface 24 of sleeve 10 with a series of grooves X 2 extending 2 2 toward the ends 1.7, I9 of sleeve 10. Team logos, and colors may be imprinted on sleeve 10 on this 23 dicta! surface 24, the outside ofhockey stick blade 42, allowing spectators to see the logos, ete. Use 24 of color and or logos provide a uniform appearance to sleeve 10.
~'ig. b shows the proximal surface of sleeve 10 also with a series of grooves ~2, vertical ribs 2g 18 and n~ebs 22 formed therein. Because this is the side ofthe sleeve 10 that most frequently comes 27 into contact with the puck 30, more grooves 12 are provided. The grooves 12, ribs 18 and nubs 22 z a act in similar fashion as described above.
29 Fig. 7 shows an end of sleeve 10, one end being a mirror image of the other, showing the 1 thickened top portion 14, bottom portion 16, grooves X 2 and ribs 18 forged in sleeve 10.
Fig. 8 is a top view of sleeve ZO and Fig. 9 is a bottom view of sleeve 10.
Fig. 1,0 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve having a fabric or fiber weave layer SO with 4 a rubberised elastomeric coating layer 52 bonded thereto. The fiber weave layer 50 can be braided, knit, woven or anything of the like and made of any individual or combination of fabric-like materials such as Kevlar~, Spectra, Vectron~, Lycra~, polyester, nylon, fiberglass, Dacron~, and cotton although other fabric materials could be used. The elastoxneric coating layer 52 is molded onto or s impregnated around the fiber weave layer 50.
9 The elastomeric coating layer 5z has various topographical features that enhance the performance of the sleeve 10. The elastorneric coating layer 52 provides a smooth surface to 11 interface between the hockey stick blade arnd the ice because of the lowered friction as compared to 12 a taped hockey stick blade. Additionally, the elastorrteric coating layer 52 provides a lowered friction 1.3 level as compared to a taped hockey stick blade when the ice has been roughed up, e.g. towards the 1,4 end of a hockey game time period.
Z5 lfig. 11 is a sidE view of the sleeve 10' with parts removed for ease of understandiz~;g that the 16 inner layer is a fabric layer 50 with the elastomeric coating layer 52 embedded thereto. Fig. 11 17 illustrates a hockey stick blade sleeve I O', having a series of horizontal grooves 12, vertical ribs I8, lg vertical slots 26, and circular nubs Z2 formed therein, for use on the blade end 42 of a hockey stick 1,9 40_ These topographical features work in similarly as mentioned above. Xn addition, vertical slots z o 26 work to enable the sleeve 10' to bend iewardly toward the proximal surface 20 enhancing the 21 effect of the vertical ribs I8 in grasping the puck. Vertical slots 26 are formed as inward vertical 22 ribs.. The sleeve 10 acts to protect the hockey stick blade 42 from both moisture from the melting 23 ice and to reduce friction between the ice surface and the hockey stick blade 42. The horizontal 24 grooves I2, vertical ribs 18, vertical slots 26, and nubs 22 formed on the sleeve 10' interact with a 2 5 hockey puck 30 to increase control over the movement of the hockey puck 30 when the sleeve 10' 2 6 is in its place of use on the blade end 42 of a hockey stick 40. In use, the sleeve I O' is positioned on 2 ~ blade 42 by placing sleeve end 1'1, or sleeve end 19, depending if for a tight-handed or left-handed 2 8 hockey stick, over the handle of hockey stick d0 and pulling sleeve 10' into position with pro~timal 29 surface 20 on the inside edge of blade 42. The simplicity of placing the sleeve 10' on blade 42 is an important advantage of the present invention over the prior art.
Sleeve 10 and 10', when in place on the hockey stick blade 42, reduces friction between blade 3 42 and the ice surface as compared to conventional tape, not shown. This reduction in friction allows 4 better hockey stick blade 42 handling. k'urther, the sleeve 10 and 10' on the hockey stick blade 42 prevents "wicking" of water into the hockey stick blade deteriorating the blade, thus the sleeve 10 and 10' helps prevent the hockey stick blade from wearing out p~'ematu~rely.
An additional 7 advantage is that it is much faster to position sleeve x0,10' on hockey stick blade 42 than it is to tape such a hockey stick blade 42. Further, the sleeve 10,10' is reusable while tape is never reusable.
g Sleeve 10, 10' can be reversed to fit either a right handed or left handed hockey stick. Also, sleeve 10,10' is made of recyclable material. Sleeve 10, 10' retains its position on hockey stick blade 42 I Z without the use of any adhesive or other fastening means. The natural elasticity of the material used Z2 to make sleeve 10, IO' allows it to be stretched into position whereupon sleeve 1.0,10' snaps back into 13 shape: xhe elastomeric coating layer, in combination with the fiber layer, serve as a constrictor 14 directing forces inwardly toward the blade of the hockey stick anal act in place of a bonding agent with the blade. This mechanical bonding force replaces the need far adhesive or heat-shrink bonding, 16 necessary in other art. This elasticity also aids in keeping sleeve 10, 10' in position once mounted on 17 hockey stick blade 42. The materials used to tx~anufacture sleeve 10,10' also resist tearing, as opposed to tape, reducing the amocxat of debris on the ice_ Because the fabric material used h,as a 1'9 one-way stretch, the sleeve 10,1.0' stretches across the diameter of the sleeve 10,1U' only, not 2 0 lonptudinally over the length of the sleeve 10,10'. This design resists collapse in the longitudinal 21 direction thus preventing the sleeve 10,10' from shining along the length of the hockey stick blade 2 2 once the sleeve 10,10' is inn position. This elasticity also pertzxits tool-free installation of the sleeve 23 10,10' on the hockey stick blade. The relatively thinner walls ofthe sleeve 10' lightEns the sleeve Z 4 10 which results in better stick handling. The relatively thinner welts of sleeve 10,10' makes the 2 5 .sleeve lighter in weight, thus reducing the materials needed and reduces the Cost of nnanufacture.
2 ~ 'The thinner walls permit easier installation, even as compared to earlier embodiments_ The user 27 stretches the diameter of the sleeve IO,IO' during installation and the Fabric material snaps back to 2 s the original shape once the sleeve '10,10' is in position. The sleeve 10,10' may by dc-installed 29 in the same too-free manner for placerrxextt on another hockey stick without any reduction in 1 performance. This re-useable feature also reduces costs, 2 Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to 3 certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. The saeeve could be of a different shape, i.e. as a parallelogram, as a trapezoid and other configurations, C)ther surface textures could be used as could grooves of different numbers and shapes. Additionally, one could form the sleeve 6 as a sheet and use fastening means to retain on the hockey stick blade.
Therefore, the spirit and scope 7 of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained 8 herein.
Claims (2)
1. A hockey stick blade sleeve for use on a blade end of a hockey stick for interaction between a conventional hockey stick and a conventional hockey puck on an ice surface, comprising:
a sleeve having at least two layers, for use as a protective cover on a blade end of a hockey stick, said sleeve having a proximal surface and a distal surface continuously interconnected to form a tube having a first end and a second end ;
means whereby said sleeve may be manually positioned onto a hockey stick;
means for improving contact between the puck and the hockey stick blade;
said sleeve further comprising a fiber weave first layer;
said sleeve further comprising an elastomeric second layer bonded to said fiber weave first layer;
said elastomeric second layer of materials having a durometer strength within a range of 30 and 100 durometers;
said elastomeric second layer providing means for decreased friction between the hockey stick blade and the ice, said means including a smooth interface between the hockey stick blade and the ice;
said means for improving contact between the puck and the hockey stick blade further comprise a series of topographical features on said proximal and distal surfaces;
said topographical features further comprising horizontal grooves formed on said proximal surface, said grooves for receiving and directing away melted ice for providing a dry surface for interaction of a puck and said sleeve covered hockey stick; and said topographical features further comprising a series of nubs formed between at least some of said horizontal grooves, said nubs further providing means for temporarily adhering to an edge surface of a hockey puck, the cross-hatched perimeter edge of a conventional hockey puck providing attachment surfaces for said nubs, increasing friction between the puck and sleeve-covered hockey stack for increasing control of the puck.
a sleeve having at least two layers, for use as a protective cover on a blade end of a hockey stick, said sleeve having a proximal surface and a distal surface continuously interconnected to form a tube having a first end and a second end ;
means whereby said sleeve may be manually positioned onto a hockey stick;
means for improving contact between the puck and the hockey stick blade;
said sleeve further comprising a fiber weave first layer;
said sleeve further comprising an elastomeric second layer bonded to said fiber weave first layer;
said elastomeric second layer of materials having a durometer strength within a range of 30 and 100 durometers;
said elastomeric second layer providing means for decreased friction between the hockey stick blade and the ice, said means including a smooth interface between the hockey stick blade and the ice;
said means for improving contact between the puck and the hockey stick blade further comprise a series of topographical features on said proximal and distal surfaces;
said topographical features further comprising horizontal grooves formed on said proximal surface, said grooves for receiving and directing away melted ice for providing a dry surface for interaction of a puck and said sleeve covered hockey stick; and said topographical features further comprising a series of nubs formed between at least some of said horizontal grooves, said nubs further providing means for temporarily adhering to an edge surface of a hockey puck, the cross-hatched perimeter edge of a conventional hockey puck providing attachment surfaces for said nubs, increasing friction between the puck and sleeve-covered hockey stack for increasing control of the puck.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said means whereby said sleeve may be manually positioned onto a hockey stick further comprises, said fiber weave first layer providing a one-way stretch across the cross-section of the hockey stick blade, wherein said sleeve may be stretched for installation while said elastomeric second layer provides a constricting force holding said sleeve in place after being positioned on said hockey stick blade.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/468,379 | 1999-12-20 | ||
| US09/468,379 US6273835B1 (en) | 1997-10-14 | 1999-12-20 | Hockey stick blade sleeve |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2329228A1 true CA2329228A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 |
Family
ID=23859569
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2329228 Abandoned CA2329228A1 (en) | 1999-12-20 | 2000-12-20 | Hockey stick blade sleeve |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2329228A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7862456B2 (en) | 2003-05-15 | 2011-01-04 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US7914403B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2011-03-29 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US7963868B2 (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2011-06-21 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
-
2000
- 2000-12-20 CA CA 2329228 patent/CA2329228A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7963868B2 (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2011-06-21 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US8216096B2 (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2012-07-10 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US8517868B2 (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2013-08-27 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US7862456B2 (en) | 2003-05-15 | 2011-01-04 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US7914403B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2011-03-29 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6273835B1 (en) | Hockey stick blade sleeve | |
| US20090200702A1 (en) | Method For Making A Multi-Component Lacrosse Stick Head | |
| US20060253951A1 (en) | Reinforcing element | |
| CA2116727A1 (en) | Plastic Molded Trowel Handle Having Fingerguard and Palm Grip | |
| US6224443B1 (en) | Multilayer swim fin and method | |
| CA2329228A1 (en) | Hockey stick blade sleeve | |
| US5934154A (en) | Handgrip with protective endcap | |
| EP0852954A3 (en) | Reinforced tubes | |
| EP1122480A3 (en) | Reinforced flexible hose with built-in handle | |
| US20200107604A1 (en) | Fiber-reinforced impact-dissipating liners and methods for fabricating fiber-reinforced impact-dissipating liners | |
| EP3980141A1 (en) | Sporting apparatus and industrial products | |
| US6964624B2 (en) | Bumper guard for a sports racquet | |
| US20090324862A1 (en) | Hockey stick blade sleeve | |
| US6808501B2 (en) | Custom molded wrist area impression kit and method | |
| EP1314457A2 (en) | Handle for sports racquet | |
| US7556575B2 (en) | Dampening device for a ball games racket | |
| JP3117102B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of grip | |
| CA2250287A1 (en) | Hockey stick blade sleeve | |
| JPH0624792B2 (en) | Long body such as fishing rod | |
| IT1320361B1 (en) | PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE REALIZATION OF A TUBULAR ELEMENT OF SILICONIC RUBBER PROVIDED WITH A TEXTILE REINFORCEMENT, AND | |
| AU2012248903B2 (en) | Hockey stick | |
| US2357491A (en) | Grip for clubs | |
| JP2648814B2 (en) | Racket frame | |
| JPH067488A (en) | Grip tape | |
| WO1990003930A1 (en) | Improvements in tubular belt conveyors |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |